Wenceslaus Hollar (Bohemian, 1607-1677) four etching pages from the complete set of engraved title and 26 etched plates Ornatus Muliebris Anglicanus, or The Clothing of English Women published in London in 1640 or later. Each leaf numbered lower right and signed and dated 1639 in plate lower left. The diversity of women’s apparel in England is illustrated in this extensive costume series. Hollar represented women from all ranks of society, from the humble countrywoman to the elegant noblewoman. The more fashionable costumes are based on eyewitness observation of the ladies at the court of the Earl of Arundel, Hollar’s primary patron. They are therefore among the more reliable visual sources for costume historians.

Dimensions: Paper 9 3/8" x 7 1/4" in. All measurements are approximate